11 Ways to Stay Cool in Memphis This Summer

It’s no secret that Memphis is hot in the summer. The weather ranges from kind of warm and sticky to full-on unpleasant from June through mid-September.

The good news is that there are some easy ways to get through the summer without staying indoors until October.

1. Run through a fountain.

Government Plaza, Memphis, Tenn.

The fountain at Government Plaza (right in front of City Hall downtown) is the perfect fountain to take a quick jog through. It’s on all the time. Pro-tips: don’t drink the water (it’s recycled), wear shoes, bring a towel and a change of clothes. If you’re doing it on your lunch break, change before you get back to the office, lest you make everyone jealous.

2. Bike at midnight

The annual Midnight Classic bike ride is a casual, non-competitive bike tour through East Memphis and Midtown that starts at 10 p.m and ends at 3 a.m. This year’s event is on August 28th, and you can register online until August 27th (though, there’s an earlybird discount for anyone that registers by July 4th).

I know, I know, it sounds really dorky to spend the summer indoors at the library. But as my cohort Bob pointed out yesterday, the air conditioners at Memphis’ public libraries work incredibly well. The library has some summer programs for kids that are a great way to keep them involved with books while school’s out.

5. Find a hidden patio

Several midtown bars have stealthy back patios that are perfect for people looking for a cold one and some conversation. I won’t tell you which ones I’m thinking of (that would ruin the surprise), but I will tell you how to find them. Either a) ask the bartender, or b) if the door at the back of the bar doesn’t say “employees only” or “emergency exit”, open it.

6. Get cultured

All of the city’s museums are air conditioned, and many have discounted or free admission at some point during the week. Check out new exhibits “Consumo Ergo Sum” and “Who Shot Rock’n’Roll” at the Brooks Museum of Art. See an IMAX movie and learn about Memphis’ unique history at the Pink Palace Museum. The Dixon Gallery and Gardens has three new exhibits for summer.

When it’s really hot out, it’s best to hang out inside during the day and head out at night. A ton of Memphis restaurants and clubs are open well into the night and there are plenty of events that start in the evening. Check out the concerts at the Levitt Shell or the Memphis Botanic Gardens, the Thursday night happenings at the Brooks Museum, Cooper Young Night Out (the first Thursday of the month) and South Main Trolley Tour (the last Friday of the month).

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Author: Holly Whitfield

I write about what’s going on with Memphis music, food, arts, events, sports, people, and culture. Memphians love Elvis and barbeque with a passion that must be seen to be believed, but there is so much more to this place.